Hello Genius, welcome back to another episode of Own Your Genius—the space where we encourage you to use your education and experiences to create dope businesses. I’m your host, Brand Attorney LaConya Murray, owner of Off the Mark IP Solutions and founder of MARKEDlegal.
Today, we’re diving into a question that’s on the minds of every entrepreneur, coach, and creative: “What if someone copies your signature framework tomorrow?”
Let’s be real for a second. You’ve poured your heart, late nights, and caffeine-fueled brainstorming sessions into building your unique framework. It’s not just a business asset—it’s a piece of you. But what happens if you wake up tomorrow and see your signature system plastered across someone else’s website?
Protect Your Framework Like the Asset It Is
First off, let’s call it what it is: your framework is intellectual property. But what does that really mean? Intellectual property (often called “IP”) refers to creations of the mind—things like inventions, artistic works, symbols, names, and designs that you develop. In the business world, this includes your signature processes, systems, and frameworks. Unlike physical property, IP is intangible, but it’s just as valuable—sometimes even more so. It represents your unique ideas, your expertise, and the hard work that went into developing something original.
Your framework qualifies as intellectual property because it’s a unique method, system, or structure you created to deliver results for your clients or audience. It’s the blueprint that sets you apart from everyone else in your industry. Just like you’d never leave your laptop or your office unlocked, you shouldn’t leave your framework unprotected. It’s not enough to simply put it out in the world and hope nobody takes it. Think of it as the core of your business—something you’ve built from scratch—so guard it fiercely by understanding the value of your ideas and taking steps to secure them legally and strategically.
Why Copyright Registration Matters
Now, I know the legal stuff can sound intimidating, but registering your framework for copyright is a game changer. Here’s why: copyright registration isn’t just paperwork. It’s your official proof—your legal receipt—that says, “Hey, this is mine.” If someone tries to take credit for your work, that registration gives you the power to take action. It’s a deterrent, too. People think twice before copying something that’s clearly protected.
Your framework qualifies for copyright protection because it is an original work that you’ve created and expressed in a tangible form—like written materials, diagrams, presentations, or even videos. Copyright doesn’t protect general ideas or methods, but it does protect the unique way you’ve organized, structured, and presented your framework. That means the specific language you use, the way you lay out your process, and the materials you develop are covered. So, when you register your framework for copyright, you’re safeguarding the creative expression you’ve poured into it, giving you legal rights if someone copies or uses your work without permission.
How Trademarks Safeguard More Than Just Your Logo
When most people think of trademarks, they picture brand names and logos—but trademarks can protect so much more. At its core, a trademark is a legal tool that protects any word, phrase, symbol, or design that distinguishes your goods or services from those of others in the marketplace. This means trademarks don’t just cover your business name or visual identity; they can also shield the name of your signature program that depends on your framework.
For example, suppose you’ve developed a coaching program called “The Momentum Method,” and you use that name consistently to market your unique approach. By registering “The Momentum Method” as a trademark, you’re not only protecting the name from being used by competitors for similar offerings, but you’re also giving your clients confidence that when they sign up, they’re getting your original expertise—not an imitation.
Trademarks protect the identifiers that set your business apart—whether that’s your company name, logo, tagline, or the name of a proprietary process or framework tied to your services. So, if someone tries to offer a program with a confusingly similar name to your trademarked framework, you have the legal right to step in and protect your brand’s reputation and uniqueness. In short, trademarking isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about owning every aspect of your business identity that your clients recognize and trust.
Look, I get it—the thought of someone stealing your framework can feel like a punch to the gut. You might feel angry, frustrated, or even helpless. That’s normal. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to let fear run your business. By taking the steps to protect your intellectual property, you’re sending a powerful message—to yourself and the world—that your work matters. That you matter.
Action Steps for Protecting Your Genius
- Document your framework: Keep detailed notes, drafts, and development dates. These are your receipts.
- Once your framework goes from idea to being recorded in a fix tangible form, register it as a copyright. It’s a straightforward process and gives you solid ground if you ever need to defend your work.
- In addition to registering the trademark for your brand name and logo, also register the name of the program, product, or service that is supported by the framework. This protects your identity and keeps your reputation safe when, even as others try to make the underlying idea their own. While ideas themselves aren’t protected, your trademark ensures that only you can use the name and identity tied to your unique approach.
- Stay vigilant: Regularly check for copycats and know you have tools in your toolkit if you spot any.
Genius isn’t just about having great ideas—it’s about owning and protecting them. Don’t let the fear of being copied steal your shine. Take action, stand firm, and own your genius every single day. If you found this episode helpful, share it with a friend, and let’s keep building a community where IP driven entrepreneurs are empowered and protected.
Until next time, keep building your business, growing your brand, and owning your genius.
